What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It begins when the crescent moon appears in the sky and lasts 29-30 days depending on the lunar cycle. During this month, Muslims observe a fast from sunrise to sunset every day for 29-30 days; abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other sensual pleasures. Not only does fasting help Muslims cleanse their souls by reducing distractions but it also helps them focus on prayer and connecting with Allah more deeply.
Fasting during Ramadan isn’t just physical; it also involves spiritual fasting as well. Muslims are encouraged to stay away from negative thoughts or actions such as gossiping or lying during this period of reflection. Additionally, they strive to do more good deeds such as helping those less fortunate or being more generous with charity donations than usual.
Ramadan 2024 , Key dates , Importance & Benefits of Fasting
When is Ramadan 2024?
In the USA, Ramadan 2024 will start on March 10th, and end on April 9th.
When is Ramadan 2024 over?
Ramadan 2024 will be continued for 29 or 30 days until Eid al-Fitr commences on 9th April depending on the moon sighting.
When is Laylat ul-Qadr in Ramadan 2024?
When is the last day of Ramadan 2024?
When is EId Ul fitr 2024?
Important Supplications (Dua) of Ramadan
Supplication (dua) to start the fast in Ramadan 2023
“وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ”
Transliteration: “Wa Bisawmi ghadinn nawaitu min shahri Ramadan”
Translation: “I intend to keep the fast tomorrow for the month of Ramadan.”
Supplication (Dua) to break the fast in Ramadan.
“اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَليْكَ تَوَكّلتُ وَ عَلى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ“
Transliteration: “Allahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu.”
Translation: “O Allah, I fasted for You and I am breaking my fast with the sustenance You have provided.”
Supplication after breaking fast in Ramadan
“ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللہ”
Translation: “The thirst is gone, the veins are quenched, and the reward is certain, God willing.”
What does Ashra Means? And what is the importance of the last Ashra?
Laylat al-Qadr:
The most important night of the year for Muslims, Laylat al-Qadr, falls within the last Ashra of Ramadan. Muslims engage in intense worship, prayer, and remembrance of Allah on this night, seeking forgiveness and asking for guidance and blessings.
Who is exempted from observing the fast?
In Islam, specific categories of people are exempted from observing the fast during Ramadan. These include:
However, those who are exempted from fasting are expected to make up for the missed fasts at a later time or to provide food for those in need as a form of compensation.
Rules of Ramadan fasting
The Purpose of Ramadan
It is a time for Muslims to reflect on their relationship with Allah, increase their devotion and faith, and strengthen their bond with their community.
The purpose of Ramadan is diverse, encompassing spiritual, moral, and social dimensions.
Foods to Eat and Avoid During Ramadan 2024
Here are some tips for foods to eat and avoid during Ramadan:
Foods to Eat during Ramadan 2024
For the maintenance of good health and high energy levels throughout Ramadan, a balanced diet that includes foods from all of the major food groups is necessary. This includes:
Foods to Avoid During Ramadan 2024
Overall, by focusing on a balanced diet and avoiding certain foods and eating habits during Ramadan, it’s possible to maintain good health and energy levels throughout the fasting period.
Special Ramadan 2024 foods and drinks all over the world
Turkey – Güllaç:
Güllaç is a traditional Turkish dessert made with layers of paper-thin pastry sheets soaked in sweetened milk and topped with pomegranate seeds and walnuts.
Iran – Haleem:
Haleem is a traditional Iranian dish made with wheat, meat, and lentils. It is often taken in breakfast during Ramadan.
Egypt – Feseekh:
Feseekhis a traditional Egyptian dish made of fermented fish. It is often eaten for breakfast during the first day of Ramadan.
Indonesia – Kolak:
Kolakis a traditional Indonesian dessert made with bananas, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk often served as a sweet treat during iftar.
Some everyday spiritual acts during RAMADAN 2024
Charity and giving during Ramadan:
During Ramadan, Muslims actively increase their charitable giving, seeing it as an essential part of their faith to purify themselves and earn blessings from Allah.
And They are encouraged to give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in various forms, such as providing food for those who are fasting, supporting those in need, and donating to charitable organizations.
Many mosques and Islamic centers actively set up donation drives during Ramadan.
Recitation of the Quran
The recitation of the Quran is also an important part of Ramadan tradition and customs.
During Ramadan, Muslims traditionally dedicate more time to reading the Quran and reflecting on its teachings than any other month in the Islamic calendar.
It will allow them to gain greater knowledge about their faith and understand what Allah has asked from them as believers.
You can also enroll yourself in online Quran classes at quranforkids.com
Taraweeh prayers
Taraweeh prayers occur each night during Ramadan after Isha’a prayers (the evening prayer). These prayers are unique because they are said while standing rather than sitting or kneeling, like regular Muslim prayer times.
Wrapping Up
Ramadan 2024 is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start preparing yourself for this holy month.
Setting goals for yourself and reflecting on your spiritual journey thus far is essential. You should also stay informed about the key dates of Ramadan so you can plan accordingly.
Fasting during Ramadan is an essential aspect of this month, both spiritually and physically, so if you can observe it, ensure you try to do so.